splinter

 It’s an album that brings them back to those levels; not that the previous two were bad, on the contrary, but this one comfortably surpasses them and aligns with those works.

 The Messenger is an album that sounds perfectly like a neo-prog record and like a Pallas album, not revolutionizing the coordinates of the best works but neither merely copying them.

Pallas' new album The Messenger marks their first release in nine years and the return of vocalist Alan Reed. The album builds on the band’s neo-progressive roots with long, richly developed tracks. It balances atmospheric and edgy styles and surpasses recent works. Despite quality and historical significance, the band remains relatively overlooked in the streaming era. Discover Pallas’ richly crafted neo-prog journey in The Messenger — listen now on Bandcamp and support the band!

 'Spooky Action at a Distance' is one of the best works of the past year, another brilliant example of modern and flashy prog that isn’t enslaved by its past.

 The most disparate influences here are not sporadic genius ideas but integral parts of the composition’s construction.

Pattern-Seeking Animals continue their prolific streak with 'Spooky Action At A Distance,' a highly melodic and eclectic prog rock album. The band combines traditional prog elements with folk and ethnic influences, crafting complex longer tracks alongside more concise melodic songs. Vocalist Ted Leonard shines throughout, while inventive instrumentation and genre fusion keep the music fresh and daring. The album is regarded as one of the best modern prog releases of 2023. Dive into the innovative and melodic world of Pattern-Seeking Animals’ 'Spooky Action At A Distance'—a modern prog gem worth exploring!

 Prog is like a nice slice of cake; it’s always the same, you know how it’s made but it’s delicious.

 The album concludes with the same chorus that opened their historic first album dated 1995, which not only sounds like closing the circle but also as an unconscious awareness.

The Flower Kings' 'Look At You Now' remains a sincere, classic progressive rock album rooted in vintage tradition. With mostly shorter tracks and intelligent synth work, it marks a lighter, more digestible phase for the band. While the album offers beautiful melodies and standout instrumentals, the review questions the band's reluctance to evolve beyond their established style. Despite this, the album is worth a listen for fans of classic prog and the band's signature sound. Explore The Flower Kings' 'Look At You Now' to experience classic prog's charm with fresh melodies and nostalgic synths.

 Each piece is genuinely different from all the others, which is why a track-by-track analysis is needed.

 Once you complete the puzzle, it’s a masterpiece that forces you to concede and admit that Steven Wilson is still the most influential personality in the last thirty years of music.

Steven Wilson’s The Harmony Codex is a multifaceted album that embraces electronic instruments while retaining progressive rock elements. Despite some audience doubts about its lighter pop moments, the album offers a rich diversity of sounds and detailed arrangements. Tracks range from industrial beats to lush jazz-rock and trip-hop influences. The review praises the album’s complexity and calls for attentive, repeated listening to appreciate its nuances fully. Ultimately, it affirms Wilson’s status as a leading figure in modern progressive music. Dive into The Harmony Codex and discover Steven Wilson’s intricate blend of prog rock and electronic artistry.

 The album becomes the perfect soundtrack for the rainy season, chestnuts, and yellow and red leaves—all seems tailor-made.

 Balancing between tradition and hints of change, Subsignal confirm themselves as impeccable in the field of melodic prog.

Subsignal's sixth album 'A Poetry of Rain' stays true to their established melodic prog sound with subtle autumn-inspired melancholy. Despite some shifts like increased guitar presence and occasional metal elements, the album plays it safe. The reviewer notes the need for more innovation in future releases. The atmospheric mood fits perfectly with the rainy season, although the cover art could be more evocative. Discover the autumnal tones and melodic prog mastery of Subsignal's 'A Poetry of Rain'—listen now and experience their evolving sound!

 A disc isn’t judged by its cover and that this is Einar Solberg, not just anyone.

 "Home" blends modern pop, swing, and rap in a masterful, unforgettable mix.

Einar Solberg’s solo album '16' successfully builds on his experience with Leprous while exploring softer, sophisticated art-pop textures. Despite a disappointing cover, the music shines through with a focus on strings and innovative electronics. Guest appearances, especially on the track 'Home,' add dynamic variety. Solberg’s vocals remain enchanting, balancing whispers and rage. Overall, '16' surprises as one of the year's standout releases. Listen to Einar Solberg's '16' and experience art-pop innovation from Leprous's frontman today!

 Increasing the quantity of metal without increasing the quality can produce a contrary effect, potentially lowering the album’s overall level.

 It’s clear they are not Fates Warning; they rather seem like softened Fates Warning.

Ray Alder's solo album II leans more heavily into metal than his previous work but struggles to deliver compelling riffs. While melodic moments like "Keep Wandering" shine, the album overall is pleasant yet forgettable. It fails to continue the complexity associated with Fates Warning, highlighting the challenge of living up to the band's legacy. Fans may find some value, but it lacks breakthrough impact. Discover Ray Alder’s solo journey — listen to II and explore its blend of metal and melody now!

 "Átta is the triumph of minimalism, enchanting and scaring with just a few elements."

 "It is not a post-rock album but rather an album of atypical ambient music."

Sigur Rós's eighth album Átta marks their return after ten years with a minimalist and ambient sound. The band strips back their usual intensity in favor of slow, orchestral textures. With the keyboardist back and drummer absent, the album moves away from post-rock towards a new ambient direction. Despite its deliberate sparseness, Átta remains evocative and enchanting, though it lacks the industrial edge of previous works like Kveikur. Listen to Átta and explore Sigur Rós’s serene new ambient journey.

 Everything is brief but exhaustive; it’s little, but within that little, there’s plenty, and it satisfies.

 It may not be anything innovative, probably quite derivative, but if with a short and derivative product, you risk ending up among the year’s top, it means an excellent job has been done!

Pendragon's 'North Star' is a 24-minute EP continuing the neo-romantic and acoustic-infused style of its predecessor, 'Love Over Fear'. The EP showcases bright, clean production dominated by Clive Nolan's keyboards and Nick Barrett's adventurous guitar work. It combines references to classic 1970s prog with folk and Celtic influences, expanding acoustic elements to the forefront. Despite its brevity, the EP is dense with musical ideas and effectively captures the band's evolving sound. Discover the rich layers of Pendragon's 'North Star' EP—listen now and experience a neo-prog gem in just 24 minutes!

 They are the indefatigable champions of progressive rock, and not even something as powerful as death stops them.

 I'd say "Mirror to the Sky" is the best post-Drama, or at least it competes with the previous one or "Magnification."

Despite losing longtime members, Yes continues to deliver high-quality progressive rock with 'Mirror to the Sky.' The album shines with extended, intricate tracks reminiscent of their 1970s style, anchored by Steve Howe's signature guitar work. Some shorter pop-influenced songs fall short, but the overall craftsmanship restores faith in the band's ongoing relevance. Bonus disc tracks offer hidden gems, although some deserve main album status. Dive into Yes's latest prog masterpiece and rediscover why they remain legends. Listen to Mirror to the Sky now!